Prayer to the Patriarch Saint (Thánh Sư / Tiên Sư / Nghệ Sư)
The Thánh Sư's death anniversary, the 1st and 15th of the month, festivals, or when encountering difficulties in one's craft
Meaning
The Thánh Sư (also Tiên Sư or Nghệ Sư) is the founding ancestor of a craft — the one who pioneered and taught the craft to later generations. Practitioners offer to the Thánh Sư to give thanks and to ask for favor in the profession.
Offering preparation
Offerings similar to those for the Thổ Công include incense, flowers, betel and areca, a meat or vegetarian tray. Offer on the Thánh Sư's death anniversary, the 1st and 15th of the month, or festivals.
Content
Namo Amitābha Buddha!
Namo Amitābha Buddha!
Namo Amitābha Buddha!
- I bow to the nine directions of Heaven, the ten directions of all Buddhas, the Buddhas of the ten directions.
- We respectfully bow to August Heaven and Sovereign Earth and all the venerable deities.
- I respectfully bow to the Eastern Kitchen Sovereign of Destiny, Lord of the Kitchen Court.
- I respectfully bow to the spirit-deities and Earth Deity overseeing this region.
The faithful: ........................................................................................................
Residing at: .............................................................................................
Today is the … day of the …..month, year ......................................................
The faithful sincerely prepares offerings: incense, flowers, tea, fruit; lights incense of devotion before the altar; with sincere heart we respectfully invite: August Heaven and Sovereign Earth and all the venerable deities, the local Tutelary Deity, the Earth Deity of this place, the household Kitchen Gods and all the venerable deities.
I respectfully invite the Patriarch Saint of the craft of …………………………………………………
We humbly ask the venerable deities and the Patriarch Saint of the craft of …………………………………………………. to have compassion on the faithful, descend before the altar, bear witness to our sincerity, partake of these offerings, shelter and support our whole family with peace and ease, work flowing smoothly. May people prosper, fortune and wealth advance, the way of the heart open, every wish granted, every prayer fulfilled.
We offer modest gifts with sincere hearts; before the altar we humbly bow and ask to be sheltered and supported.
Namo Amitābha Buddha!
Namo Amitābha Buddha!
Namo Amitābha Buddha!